Booklet Can Help Kids Steer Clear Of Drugs

Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen

Dear Pharmacist: I'm worried that my kids are running with the wrong crowd. What information is out there for naive parents to help kids stay away from drugs? -- D.Q., Fort Lauderdale

Dear D.Q.: The United States Department of Education offers a wonderful booklet, Growing Up Drug-Free, A Parent's Guide to Prevention. This free guide, which you can get by calling 877-433-7827, offers tips on prevention and outlines a plan if your child is already in trouble.

Dear Pharmacist: I have persistent dandruff and wondered what you thought of the products on the market. -- H.A., Silver Springs

Dear H.A.: Dandruff is a condition in which the skin cells on the scalp multiply so rapidly that the turnover causes excessive shedding. This results in a frustrating flurry of white flakes. The latest research points to a bacterial or fungal cause.

One way to treat dandruff is to try to slow the fanatical cell growth on the scalp. Over-the-counter shampoos that do this contain either pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide. Look for products that contain high concentrations of these active ingredients to get the best effect. Selenium sulfide can damage jewelry, so remove anything precious before shampooing. If you don't have any luck with these, look for products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur or tar derivatives to attempt to correct the malfunctioning skin cells. For stubborn cases, see a dermatologist.

Dear J.S.: Researchers have found that they can put the oomph back into a women's sex life by giving her some testosterone. Yes, you heard that right. The male hormone, testosterone, makes women lustful just as it does men.

Testosterone can be prescribed in the form of tablets called Estratest or applied to the skin with Androgel. There's an over-the-counter option called DHEA, which also might boost hormone levels.

Although these products can give you the hots for your hubby, they do have side effects. If you sprout facial hair, develop acne or feel cranky, you're probably getting too much testosterone. As always, consult your physician about all new medicine.